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AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026
The first-ever Kannada film festival on American soil — where Karnataka’s finest cinema meets a global audience.
Hosted in collaboration with the Association of Kannada Kootas of America during their historic Silver Jubilee, the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival celebrates storytelling, creativity, and artistic excellence. Ten selected Kannada films compete across three award categories, judged by a Main Jury of national award-winning filmmakers. The grand ceremony takes place on September 5, 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia — featuring 3 hours of world-class entertainment with celebrities from the film and music industries.
AKKA – CineGannada
1st Edition Karnataka to Philadelphia
Presented by ABgyor Ventures
10 Films Selected
The finest Kannada feature films handpicked by an 10-member Preview Committee for the global stage.
3 Award Categories
Cash prizes of ₹2L, ₹1L, and ₹50K with trophies and certificates for the top three films.
3-Hour Awards Night
A grand ceremony on September 5, 2026 featuring top celebrities from the Kannada film and music industries.
Festival at a Glance
Where Stars Meet Stories
The The AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival brings together Karnataka’s biggest names in cinema — actors, directors, producers, and technicians — on one global stage to honor the stories that define us. From Bengaluru to Philadelphia, this is Kannada cinema’s proudest night.
- Awards with live entertainment and performances
- Celebrity Presenters from Kannada film and music industries
- Global Film Screening of 10 selected Kannada features
- Industry Networking with directors, producers, and artists
- Cash Prizes totaling ₹3.5 Lakhs with trophies and certificates
faq
Frequency Ask Questions
Everything filmmakers and attendees need to know about the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026.
Any Kannada feature filmmaker can submit their work by sending the film with synopsis, director bio, and technical details to abgyorventures@gmail.com.
A 3-hour ceremony on September 5, 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center featuring celebrity presenters, live entertainment, and all 10 selected films showcased.
An 10-member Preview Committee of directors, writers, and cinema veterans screens all entries and shortlists the top 10 films.
Voices of the Jury
What Our Jury Says
The festival’s selection and awards are guided by some of Karnataka’s most celebrated filmmakers, writers, and cinema veterans.
Kannada cinema has always had depth and honesty. This festival finally gives it the international stage it deserves — where our stories can compete with the best in the world.